Locking device for movable momentum connection in suppressors for semi-automatic and fully automatic weapons

ABSTRACT

The devices and assemblies of the invention allow the design and use of suppressors with at least two modes of operation and the suppressor can be reset significantly faster and more simply from a locked position into an unlocked position. The suppressors of the invention comprise a mounting ring and a momentum part or assembly that can be shifted axially, or along the axis of the barrel of the weapon. A pressure spring is positioned between it and a column sleeve of the silencer, which on the one hand presses the momentum part against a projection of the column sleeve and on the other hand against the index disk. Interlocking cams are positioned on the momentum part, which are blocked in a first position of the mounting ring, and in a second position of the mounting ring they can be shifted so that the momentum part is unlocked and can move axially in response to firing. Rotating the mounting ring allows the operator to switch from the first position into the second position, and lock or unlock the momentum part and the recoil booster function of the devices.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and is filed as a §371 of PCT/CH2010/00284, filed Nov. 12, 2010, which in turn claims priority benefit of Swiss Application 01748/09, filed Nov. 13, 2009. The entire contents of the prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention concerns a locking device for controlling the operation and movement of an impulse-controlled connection device, which are used specifically for silencers and suppressors on semiautomatic and fully automatic weapons and in which, at the moment of firing, one or more coaxial inner parts move axially against a spring force to cause a recoil reaction and thus permit normal weapon function.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Movable connection devices for silencers and suppressors, so-called momentum connections or momentum boosters, are known in various embodiments. They are typically used where the additional weight of the suppressor or of another accessory that is attached directly to the barrel would prevent the normal firearm function introduced by the shooting impulse. For example, in recoil and blowback operated firearms, the cycling of the weapon (ejection of the empty shell and the introduction of a new bullet into the chamber) is a direct counter-reaction to the firing impulse. Reducing the firing impulse by dissipating gasses in a suppressor reduces the recoil and blowback counter-actions and makes cycling of the firearm more difficult or even prevents cycling altogether. Thus, momentum boosters can be added as an insert into an existing suppressor device in order to allow enough counter-action from the firing impulse to cycle the firearm.

However, these movable momentum booster parts have several disadvantages. First, especially during the use of a suppressor/silencer, there is a relatively loud closing noise, defeating in part the purpose of the suppressor. Also, the booster must be inserted in the suppressor in order for it to function. Once inserted, it allows full cycling, but the noise of the ejected bullet shell falling onto the floor remains. Converting to a quiet suppressor mode required unscrewing the suppressor, removing the booster, and replacing the suppressor for single-shot action. Thus, in order to prevent these additional noises during use of the firearm, in practice, as appropriate, the movable momentum booster part is exchanged for a fixed connection part in the suppressor, or is removed from the suppressor. This is time-consuming and cannot always be performed without tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a solution to the need to remove or exchange a momentum booster from a suppressor in order to switch from a fully automatic operation mode to a silent, single-shot operation mode. In order to make such an exchange unnecessary, a new locking device is described here, which consists in part of a thick-walled shell provided with an axial stepwise bore and on the outside is turned in steps, into which a momentum booster part that consists of another shell and a thick collar disk is introduced coaxially. On one end the collar disk defines the depth of penetration (or movement of the momentum booster part) and on the opposite end it is held in position by a spring-loaded or spring-cushioned guide part and a threaded collar. Since the thick-walled sleeve and the thick collar disk are each provided with an identical outer thread, the axial movement potential of the momentum booster part can be locked by turning the thick collar disk of the threaded collar onto the thick-walled sleeve. Thus, by simply turning and locking the threaded collar from the release position into the locking position, and vice versa, the operation of the suppressor can easily be changed from a recoil booster-operating mode for full automatic or semi-automatic cycling, into a single shot, silent operation mode. The time-consuming removal of parts from the barrel end is no longer required.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to avoid the disadvantages of the existing, complicated recoil booster devices and to create a simple locking device that functions rapidly and reliably without additional parts. The locking device can be actuated from a ring or lever or other device mounted on the exterior of the suppressor and engaging a threaded collar that holds the momentum booster in a locked position. In this way, the operator simply turns a ring or lever to change the operation mode of the suppressor.

Thus, the object above can be achieved by means of a locking device claimed in independent claim 1, for movable parts of suppressors or silencers on semiautomatic and fully automatic weapons, comprising a mounting ring and an axially movable momentum part that is supported within a column sleeve of the silencer, whereby a pressure spring, introduced between the sleeve holding the pressure spring and the exterior of the momentum part, applies pressure on the one hand against a projection of the column sleeve and on the other hand onto an index disk. The pulse part has at least one interlocking cam and the mounting ring has a side surface with an opening designed in such a way that, in a first position of the mounting ring, the side surface blocks the interlocking cam and in a second position of the mounting ring releases the interlocking cam. Advantageous further developments of the blocking device according to the invention are listed in the dependent claims.

In another aspect, the invention includes any one of many possible designs of a suppressor that can be manually adjusted from a recoil boosting mode for automatic firing and a silent mode without removing the suppressor from the barrel. In another aspect, the suppressor of the invention includes an integral recoil booster that can be moved into a locked mode, or unlocked into an operating mode.

In any of the aspects or objects of the invention, the suppressor, recoil booster function, or devices of the invention can include a locking and unlocking momentum part or assembly that operates by the pressures upon firing the weapon. Thus, an adjustable suppressor for a semiautomatic and fully automatic weapon of the invention can encompass a design having a central channel for the passage of a projectile and having multiple regions for the flow of gas upon firing the weapon. The channel and these regions can be those conventionally found on any available suppressor or silencer design. The adjustable suppressor also includes a mounting ring, located at the end for connecting the suppressor to the barrel of a weapon, and an axially displaceable momentum assembly (sometimes called a momentum part herein) positioned at one end of the suppressor. The momentum assembly comprises a pressure absorbing and releasing device, such as a spring as conventionally used on recoil boosters. The device or spring can be positioned between a projecting sleeve on one end of the momentum assembly and an index disk at the other end, and is within the outer sleeve of the suppressor. The momentum assembly can include a bore for attaching to the barrel of a weapon. The momentum assembly further comprises at least one interlocking cam to either engage a surface of the mounting ring when in a locked position, or to allow axial movement of the interlocking cam, and thus the momentum assembly, in reaction to the firing of the weapon. The one or more interlocking cams can be integral to the exterior surface of the momentum assembly or a region of it, or they can be a separate part of the assembly. The one or more interlocking cams can be adjusted from the position where it engages a surface of the assembly, such as a surface of the mounting ring on one end, to a position where the momentum assembly is axially displaceable upon firing without disconnecting the suppressor from the barrel.

The adjustable suppressor can also include a momentum assembly that is formed with an octagonal exterior surface area, and with four interlocking cams provided on the octagonal exterior surface. These cams can engage an interior surface of the assembly, such as the mounting ring, to lock the momentum assembly. In one preferred embodiment, turning the mounting ring can lock or unlock the movement of the momentum assembly.

In other embodiments, an adjustable suppressor can include an index disk and mounting ring that can be locked to one another. Similar in function to other indexing systems available, where the position of the suppressor on the barrel can be rotated to adjust the aim of the weapon while the suppressor is attached, the index disk of the invention is within the momentum assembly. Thus, with the index ring of the invention, a component part of the suppressor can be rotated to adjust the aim of the firearm while the suppressor is attached to the barrel. Locking the index ring to the mounting ring will fix the desired adjustments.

Also, as with other suppressor systems, a variety of gas flow modifications, baffles, orifices, and other options are possible to reduce noise upon firing. The types of gas flow design changes possible are not material to the point of this invention, but any one of the available mechanisms or designs can be used in combination with the invention. Accordingly, the adjustable suppressor according to the invention can have additional gas flow orifices or baffles formed into a region of the momentum assembly so that gasses can be adjusted to flow during either locked or unlocked positions. In a preferred arrangement, a cone region on the columnar sleeve end of the momentum assembly deflects gas into additional baffles formed into a reciprocating region of the momentum assembly. In another preferred embodiment, the additional orifices have longitudinal openings on the surface of the momentum assembly and can form a labyrinth seal within the suppressor. Thus, the momentum assembly can be locked by labyrinth seal to the interior of the suppressor to prevent its movement on firing. This advantageously reduces any noise. Similarly, the additional baffles or orifices in the momentum assembly include rebounding surfaces or narrowing regions, or other gas flow conduits as known in the art.

With respect to the possible connection points between the mounting ring, the index ring, and other elements of the momentum assembly, a variety of options can be selected. One option is a round ball surface and a recessed surface to receive the ball. Another option is an oval projection surface and corresponding receiving area. Depending on the caliber, the desired amount of force required to move the parts from locking to unlocked positions, and the possible requirements to fix the index ring, the designer can consider many connection point-receiving point configurations. One option is shown by looking at both of FIGS. 3 (reference number 8) and FIG. 6 (reference number 20) together, which is a preferred option. Thus, for example, four connection points can be arranged at a distance of 90° from one another and can be pressed into areas of the index disk having receiving points. This rotation can lock the four connection points into corresponding receiving points of the mounting ring, for example. As shown in the Figures, the receiving points on the mounting rings are arranged at an angular distance of about 45° from one another. Of course, the angles selected and shown here are exemplary.

The invention can also be a recoil booster device for use with a suppressor for a semiautomatic or fully automatic weapon. As shown and discussed here, the device can comprise a momentum assembly that can be inserted or incorporated into a suppressor. The recoil booster itself need not be positionable into locked or unlocked positions with any suppressor selected. However, configurations allowing the facile switch from locking to unlocking positions are preferred

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Practical examples of the invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of the drawings. The following are shown:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a silencer/suppressor with inserted momentum booster part or momentum part

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the individually-shown mounting ring 4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view against the direction of shooting of the mounting ring shown in FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the individually-shown momentum part with its component parts assembled

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the individually-shown guide part of the momentum part in FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an index disk within the momentum part,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the silencer of FIG. 1 in the direction of shooting in the locked state

FIG. 8 is the same view of the silencer of FIG. 7 but in the unlocked state, where locking cams 16 are able to move freely in reaction to the firing impulse

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-section of the silencer shown in FIG. 1 in the locked state,

FIG. 10 is the same schematic cross-section as in FIG. 9 but in the unlocked state

FIG. 11 is the same schematic cross-section as in FIG. 10 during the firing of the shot

FIG. 12 shows some of the component parts of the momentum part arranged as they are found in the preferred assembly

FIG. 13 is a photograph of an exemplary, assembled momentum part of the invention

FIG. 14 is a photograph of the components of an exemplary momentum part of the invention prior to assembly

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The silencer shown in FIG. 1 consists of an outer column sleeve 1, which is closed with a cover 2 in the front in the direction of shooting (exit point of the projectile). On the back the column sleeve has optional exterior notches 3 so that the mounting ring 4, which serves to mount the momentum part 5, can be screwed onto the corresponding outer thread of the column sleeve 1 with its inner thread, even under difficult conditions. The momentum part 5 has an inner thread with which the silencer/suppressor can be screwed onto the barrel of a firearm.

Viewed in the direction of shooting (the direction the projectile travels) according to FIG. 2, mounting ring 4 has a side end surface 6 with a square opening 7. When viewing the mounting ring 4 in the opposite direction as in FIG. 3, eight depressions 8 arranged at an angular distance of about 45° from one another can be seen, which serve for locking in the spheres that will be mentioned later.

In the case of the momentum part 5 shown assembled in FIG. 4, the guide part 9 (shown individually in FIG. 5) is screwed in and this part is provided with circular guide surfaces 10 and recesses 11 and a thread 12 (FIG. 5) for screwing it in, whereby the inner-facing surface 13 (toward the barrel) serves for supporting a spring mentioned below. A cone 14 (FIG. 5) provides for deflection of the gas from the impulse of firing and guides the gases through the recesses 11. For the same purpose, longitudinal openings 15 (FIG. 4) are positioned in momentum part 5. Four interlocking cams 16 are positioned on the exterior, octagonal momentum part 5. The surface of the momentum part 5, formed as an octagon, shows the interlocking cams 16 (FIG. 4) projecting and an inner thread 17 is for screwing onto the firearm barrel. The octagon surfaces can also be used for the placement of a wrench or tool to aid in dismounting if the momentum part is difficult to loosen.

The index disk 18 of FIG. 6 has provided on its periphery cams 19 for indexing the firing direction adjustment and fine tuning the aiming of the firearm toward the target. In FIG. 6, four spheres 20 are shown and can be pressed into the recessed depressions 8 (FIG. 3) for locking into the mounting ring 4. To insure against rotation, the index ring has four surfaces 21 that correspond to the exterior octagon shape of the momentum part 5. Of course, differing shapes can be chosen, and shapes that allow the locking of parts to the exterior of the momentum part are preferred.

When the momentum part is moved into the locked position of FIG. 7, the interlocking cams 16 are not visible and are behind the side area 6 of the mounting ring 4. In the unlocked position of FIG. 8, the interlocking cams 16 are now visible and are held in place against any axial shifting in the direction opposite that of shooting (the direction opposite the path of the projectile).

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 show schematic, cross-sectional views of a suppressor in various operating modes, where it can be envisioned that the suppressor has a free channel in the middle along its entire length for the passage of the bullet.

FIG. 9 depicts the locked position. In the column sleeve 1, as in other known suppressor designs, baffles or orifices 22 along the length of the suppressor reduce the velocity of the gases on firing and reduce the noise. The closure cover 2 is screwed onto the front, as noted above. A pressure spring 23 (shown in cross-section) is placed between the interior surface of column sleeve 1 and the momentum part 5, which butts against the inner surface 13 of the guide part 9 (as shown in FIG. 5) on one end and against the index disk 18 (FIG. 6), whereby it presses the spheres 20 of the index disk 18 into the recesses 8 of the mounting ring 4. The interlocking cams 16 are thus blocked from moving by the mounting ring 4, as shown by the arrow in area A, where cam 16 prevents the movement of the momentum part 5. In this locked position, the momentum part does not move in reaction to the firing impulse and the firearm can be operated in a single-shot, silent mode, where cycling of the firearm is generally prevented.

By contrast, in the unlocked position of FIG. 10, the mounting ring 4 is turned by 45° relative to the position in FIG. 9, so that its surfaces no longer block the interlocking cams 16 from moving at area B. In this position, the momentum part moves in reaction to the firing impulse and delivers a counter-recoil force back toward the barrel, which allows the normal cycling of the firearm. Thus, the momentum part can be actuated to allow axial movement in reaction to the firing of the weapon by simply turning the mounting ring. Turning the mounting ring to the unlocked position can also free the interlocking cam from its blocked position to allow axial movement along the axis of the barrel of the weapon.

When a shot is fired while in the unlocked position, according to FIG. 11, the pressure spring 23 is first compressed by the recoil forces and then the momentum part 5 is pushed back. The momentum part 5 acts with the recesses 24 as a labyrinth seal and, together with cone 14 and the longitudinal openings 15, as additional orifices for the gas after firing.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 should not be taken as a representation of the only embodiment of the invention and the depiction of components in these figures is merely illustrative. During the operation of certain embodiments, for example, the momentum part or assembly can be present at a different area along the length of the suppressor than that shown in the figures here, but it is generally placed near the end that connects to the barrel of the weapon. Similarly, the momentum part or assembly can be configured so that, while it is internal to the outer sleeve of the suppressor body, it does not permit movement of the suppressor body itself during firing. In addition, or alternatively, the spring component of the momentum part or assembly reacts to the forces upon firing, thereby applying a counter-acting force back toward the direction of the barrel. Thus, the distance H shown in FIG. 11 does not represent the actual movement of the entire momentum part or assembly within the body of the suppressor during firing but is only the maximum distance the pressure spring 23 is able to compress in response to firing. Accordingly, at the moment of firing, one or more coaxial inner parts of a momentum assembly can move axially against a spring force to cause a recoil reaction and thus permit normal weapon function in automatic firing. Various extensions and other parts for connecting to the barrel of a weapon can be used to alter the placement of the momentum part or assembly within the body of a suppressor. Similarly, various rotational indexing systems as known in the art can be incorporated into the suppressors of the invention, and the example shown and described here is not the only design possible.

FIG. 12 shows the component parts of the momentum part or assembly, shown in previous figures, arranged as if they were about to be assembled. The mounting ring 4 may or may not be part of the assembly, but is shown in FIG. 12 oriented as it fits with the momentum part or assembly for this embodiment. FIG. 14 is a photograph showing a similar view of the component parts of the assembly as in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 is a photograph showing the momentum part fully assembled.

The examples and Figures above are not intended to limit the scope of claims that follow or the scope of the invention in general. Instead, they are examples or guides for the design of multiple embodiments considered part of the invention. 

1. An adjustable suppressor for semi-automatic and fully automatic weapons, comprising A) a central channel for the passage of a projectile and having multiple regions for the flow of gas upon firing the weapon, B) a mounting ring at a first end of the suppressor, the first end being designed to connect to a barrel of a weapon, and C) an axially displaceable momentum assembly supported with the first end of the suppressor, the momentum assembly comprising a pressure spring positioned in a columnar sleeve on one end of the momentum assembly, and at least one interlocking cam to either engage a surface of the mounting ring when in a locked position, or to allow axial movement of the interlocking cam and the momentum assembly in reaction to the firing of the weapon, and wherein the interlocking cam can be adjusted from the position where it engages a surface of the mounting ring to a position where the momentum assembly is axially displaceable without disconnecting the suppressor from the barrel.
 2. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 1, characterized in that the momentum assembly comprises an index disc at the other end of the momentum assembly.
 3. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the momentum assembly is formed with an octagonal exterior surface area, and four interlocking cams are provided on the octagonal exterior surface area to engage an interior surface of the mounting ring to lock the momentum assembly when the mounting ring is turned to a lock position.
 4. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the index disk and the mounting ring have means for locking to one another.
 5. The adjustable suppressor according to claims 1, characterized by the fact that additional orifices are formed into a region of the momentum assembly.
 6. The adjustable suppressor device according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that a cone region on the columnar sleeve of the momentum assembly deflects gas into the additional orifices formed into a region of the momentum assembly.
 7. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the additional orifices have longitudinal openings on the surface of the momentum assembly and interior recesses to form a labyrinth seal of the momentum assembly to the interior of the suppressor.
 8. The adjustable suppressor according to claims 5, characterized by the fact that the additional orifices include rebounding surfaces or narrowing regions.
 9. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance of 90° from one another are pressed into the index disk having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45° from one another.
 10. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of 90°, are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of 45° from one another, can be locked.
 11. A recoil booster device for use with a suppressor for a semiautomatic or fully automatic weapon, wherein the device comprises a momentum assembly according to claim
 1. 12. The recoil booster of claim 11, wherein additional orifices are formed in the momentum assembly for the flow of gasses upon firing the weapon.
 13. A recoil booster with an adjustable suppressor according to claim
 1. 14. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the momentum assembly is formed with an octagonal exterior surface area, and four interlocking cams are provided on the octagonal exterior surface area to engage an interior surface of the mounting ring to lock the momentum assembly when the mounting ring is turned to a lock position.
 15. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the index disk and the mounting ring have means for locking to one another
 16. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that additional orifices are formed into a region of the momentum assembly.
 17. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that additional orifices are formed into a region of the momentum assembly.
 18. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that additional orifices are formed into a region of the momentum assembly.
 19. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the additional orifices have longitudinal openings on the surface of the momentum assembly and interior recesses to form a labyrinth seal of the momentum assembly to the interior of the suppressor.
 20. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the additional orifices include rebounding surfaces or narrowing regions.
 21. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the additional orifices include rebounding surfaces or narrowing regions.
 22. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance of 90° from one another are pressed into the index disk having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45° from one another.
 23. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance of 90° from one another are pressed into the index disk having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45° from one another.
 24. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance of 90° from one another are pressed into the index disk having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45° from one another.
 25. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance of 90° from one another are pressed into the index disk having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45° from one another.
 26. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance of 90° from one another are pressed into the index disk having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45° from one another.
 27. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at a distance of 90° from one another are pressed into the index disk having eight receiving points, which can be locked into four receiving points of the mounting ring, where the receiving points on the mounting rings are arranged at a distance of 45° from one another.
 28. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of 90°, are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of 45° from one another, can be locked.
 29. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of 90°, are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of 45° from one another, can be locked.
 30. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of 90°, are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of 45° from one another, can be locked.
 31. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of 90°, are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of 45° from one another, can be locked.
 32. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of 90°, are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of 45° from one another, can be locked.
 33. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of 90°, are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of 45° from one another, can be locked.
 34. The adjustable suppressor according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that four connection points are arranged at angles of 90°, are pressed into the mounting ring into which four out of the eight recesses of the index disk arranged at an angle of 45° from one another, can be locked.
 35. A recoil booster with an adjustable suppressor according to claim
 2. 